“How Lovely” 

“What a lovely ceremony!” “This was good!” “We don’t have something like this in our country!” These were some of the comments from a few of the “farang” teachers this morning after the Wai Kru ceremony at American Prep International.

The Ceremony

The ceremony started with all the students seated in front of the stage. Then two speeches in the Thai language which we (‘farangs’) did not understand, but it was obvious that the students were paying rapt attention. After all, it is not often that Thai is used publicly on our campus – which is declared an English speaking zone!

Then the Kinder teachers, the principal and school manager took their seats on stage. The Kinder children were brought on stage by the assistants. Each one had a garland or a beautiful flower arrangement in a golden/silver container. These garlands and flowers were then presented – on bended knees – to the teachers. Each teacher graciously accepted the gift and then blessed the student by touching his/her head. It was especially beautiful to experience receiving  the flowers from these tiny children. After the Kinder, the other grades and their teachers went through the same process. The ceremony ended with a ‘chant’ in Thai by some of the older students.

“Let’s do it again next year”

Over all, we teachers, thought that this traditional Wai Kru celebration was very effective in inculcating a beautiful cultural tradition of showing respect for and bringing honor to teachers and elders. This ceremony definitely merits an honorable position   in  the annual calendar of events at American Prep International!